
Teaching starts 22 January 2024
Apply by 4 December 2023 to begin your studies in January.
Apply nowPrepare to find work as an energy lawyer.
LLM Oil and Gas Law has been a passport to career success for our many graduates now working at senior level for government and industry around the world.
Your expertise, contacts and career prospects will grow as you gain the intellectual, critical and practical skills needed to practise as a professional in this field.
You can choose to study this degree:
- 100% online, with a dissertation
- blended, with an intensive Professional Skills Summer School on campus in Aberdeen.
You’ll study the grounding concepts of current oil and gas law. You’ll gain the broad knowledge required for legal management of oil and gas exploration and production. And you’ll learn from internationally experienced lawyers who advise governments and industry.
Our teaching promotes the contextual thinking that enables a deeper, forward-thinking understanding of the industry and how the law works around it. You’ll explore many different viewpoints and needs of the energy industry, from the state discovering the oil or gas, to the experts drilling for it, and the ecosystem that needs our support and protection.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for an:
- LLM in Oil and Gas Law with Dissertation (100% online)
- LLM in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills (blended learning – online courses with on-campus summer school)
- or start with one of the online short courses that make up this degree.
How you’ll study
Our distance learning LLM Oil and Gas Law is delivered flexibly. You can choose to study:
- 100% online, or
- combine online study with an on-campus summer school in Professional Skills.
Online learning
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including podcasts of lectures, videos, case studies and projects.
You’ll also have online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library and the Taylor Law Library, a dedicated resource for law students. Both have first-class collections of reference works in law and related subjects. Find out more about our libraries.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from a team of internationally experienced lawyers who:
- regularly advise governments and the energy industry
- are active members of boards including Oil and Gas UK and the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
- are published authors of significant works used within the energy industry.
Assessment
This degree is assessed entirely online, with the exception of the Professional Skills Summer School.
You’ll have a range of different types of online assessment, including online tests, essay answers, case studies, briefs to clients and the writing of a legal brief.
If you attend the Professional Skills Summer School, you’ll be assessed here by a presentation and a range of reports that you’ll create.
Hours for online courses
If you plan to study part-time, we recommend you take no more than 30 credits per term.
15 credits
- Around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 8 – 10 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.
30 credits
- Around 300 hours of study and assessment time to complete.
- You’ll study 15 – 20 hours per week per term, plus more at assessment times.
This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes.
You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.
There may be some activities that are scheduled at a fixed time, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.
Hours for 60-credit dissertation
A 60-credit dissertation is around 600 hours of study time. This is around one term of full-time study.
You will dedicate a full term to your dissertation and work on it full-time.
Hours for on-campus Professional Skills Summer School
Choose this course to join us on campus in Aberdeen for two weeks in late May/early June.
- Hours: full-time for two weeks
- Dates: Weeks 44 and 45 of the academic year. See the week-number dates for your chosen year of study.
If you have time, you’re also welcome to join us on campus for some preparatory tutorials in Week 43. Attendance in Week 43 is completely optional.
When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.
But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.
Your most important commitment to your course will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.
Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your course each week:
- Be realistic
- Create a weekly schedule as a guide
If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.
Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.
We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:
- Careers and Employability Service – including one-to-one advice sessions
- Disability support
- IT support
- Library support
- Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
- Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
- Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
- Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.
We’re a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).
Access study spaces, books and journals in your area
The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.
You’ll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.

Dr Eddy Wifa
Eddy is the degree coordinator. He’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.

Amanda Rose
Amanda is part of the School’s support team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.

Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionOnline learning in the School of Law
Advocates share their experiences of working while studying law online with us.
Where this will take you
Our online LLM in Oil and Gas Law will prepare you to find work as an energy lawyer.
You’ll graduate with the skills required to practise as a trained professional in this field. You will also have built a strong network of contacts to help advance your legal career.
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in:
- oil and gas companies
- international law firms servicing the industry
- government ministries.
You can also use this Masters degree as a step towards a PhD and work in the academic world.
Wider career opportunities
Because the law touches so many parts of public life, you can use your qualification to find work within politics, business, international finance or banking.
Industry and international businesses value the distinct skills that law graduates bring to their organisations. You’ll have developed these in-demand skills in research, critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and diplomacy.

Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2023/24 academic year.
We have confirmed that our fees will rise by 5% for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 5% fee rise each year.

Pay as you go
Don’t worry, you do not have to pay the full degree fee upfront.
You can pay for your degree one term at a time. This gives you a flexible way to spread the cost.
Pay as you go allows you to spread payments over several terms.
When you pay
You make a payment before the start of each term.
How much you pay
You only pay for the credits you want to study in the upcoming term.
It’s up to you how many credits you take each term. This gives you control over your costs and your workload.
- Taking fewer credits will increase the length of your studies.
We break down the total cost of this qualification into cost per 15 credits and your dissertation or summer school.
Costs for this degree, starting in academic year 2023/24
Course fees per 15-credits
- £1,230 in academic year 2023/24.
- £1,290 in academic year 2024/25.
- £1,355 in academic year 2025/26.
Dissertation (60 credits)
- £4,920 in academic year 2023/24.
- £5,160 in academic year 2024/25.
- £5,420 in academic year 2025/26.
Summer school (60 credits)
- £5,640 in academic year 2023/24.
- £5,920 in academic year 2024/25.
- £6,220 in academic year 2025/26.
Tuition fees typically rise a little each academic year and will rise by 5% for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years.
This is an example payment schedule for tuition fees. It’s based on the typical route through the degree.
You can take more or fewer credits per term than is shown in this example.
Term 1) January – April 2024 | Academic year 2023/24
- Take 30 credits worth of courses.
- Fee for term = £2,460.
- Payment due in January.
Term 2) May – August 2024
- Summer break. There is no teaching in the first summer of your degree.
- No payment due.
Term 3) September – December 2024 | Academic year 2024/25
- Take 30 credits worth of courses.
- Fee for term = £2,580.
- Payment due in September.
Term 4) January – April 2025
- Take 30 credits worth of courses.
- Fee for term = £2,580.
- Payment due in January.
Term 5) May – August 2025
- Undertake your 60-credit dissertation or 60-credit summer school.
- Fee for dissertation = £5,160.
- Fee for summer school = £5,920.
- Payment due in May.
Term 6) September – December 2025 | Academic year 2025/26
- Take 30 credits worth of courses.
- Fee for term = £2,710.
- Payment due in September.
LLM complete
On earning 180 credits you will be awarded an LLM.
Total tuition fee if following this route to your Masters:
- with dissertation = £15,490
- with summer school = £16,250.

On-campus course costs
This online degree features on-campus course options. If you take an on-campus course as part of your degree, your fee covers your tuition for this. However, it does not cover the cost of any travel, accommodation or visa you might require in order to join us on campus. You will have to pay for your own travel, accommodation and visa costs.
Learning resources
Access to all the essential books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They’ll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.
Printing
You may wish to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.
There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:
- Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
- Student loans
- Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships
Find out more about funding options.
Student card
All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.
20% Alumni discount
You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen. View Alumni discount details.
How discounts work
Discounts are applied during your application process. You can only use one discount per application.
Why study for an LLM online with the University of Aberdeen?
Study at a university with one of the largest and most internationally experienced teams of legal experts in any European law school.

Flexible
Flexible hours and 24/7 access, so you can study when it suits you.

Over 525 years of excellence
Graduate from the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in 1495.

20% alumni discount
University of Aberdeen alumni receive 20% off fees for this online degree.
Entry requirements
LLM
- A 2:1 (upper-class) honours degree (or equivalent) in Law.
- Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial.
These are our minimum entry requirements. They are given as a guide and do not guarantee entry.
Short course route to online LLM Oil and Gas Law
If you do not meet these entry requirements, or are not ready to commit to a full LLM, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.
Find out about our short course route to entryEntry requirements
We welcome students from around the world.
See our minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications for your country.
Visa requirements
You do not need a visa to study online with us.
But if you will be joining us on campus for part of this degree, you may need to obtain a visa to do so. You will need to make your own transport, accommodation and visa arrangements to study with us here in Aberdeen. If you have a visa query, email immigration@abdn.ac.uk for advice.
English language requirements
Teaching is delivered in English.
If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.
English language tests and scores
If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept for this course or degree.
These are our Postgraduate Higher requirements.
IELTS Academic and IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
- 6.5 overall
- 5.5 for listening and speaking
- 6.0 for reading and writing
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- 90 overall
- 17 for listening
- 21 for reading
- 20 for speaking
- 21 for writing
- TOEFL DI code is 0818
Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall
- 162 for listening and speaking
- 169 for reading and writing
LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken)
- Overall High Pass
- 33 for listening, reading and speaking
- 38 for writing
PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
- 62 overall
- 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
For more information about language qualifications see our English Language Requirements page.
You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.
Applying to the University of Aberdeen is always free.
What you need to apply for this degree
- Degree transcript
- Personal statement
Apply now
Start with our step-by-step guide. It explains degree transcripts, what to write in your personal statement and how to use our Applicant Portal.
You can apply to start in either September or January.
Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.
January 2024 intake
For our January 2024 intake, the application deadline is 4 December 2023.
You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 18 December 2023.
Teaching starts on 22 January 2024.
September 2024 intake
Teaching starts on 23 September 2024.
Application deadlines will be announced in due course.
You will need access to:
A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) operating on either:
- Windows 10 or later
- macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.
Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.
Reliable internet access
We recommend:
- a wired connection
- a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.
Speakers or headphones
- We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
- A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.
Software
We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and install these programs on up to five personal devices.
If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.
See our detailed IT requirements for more information.
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Master of Laws
180 credits
£15,490
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2024.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- January or September
- INDICATIVE COST
- £15,490
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2024.
Apply via our Applicant Portal